Stomach-stapling for successful weight loss


According to recent publication "A certain type of stomach-stapling surgery, in which the stomach is completely and vertically partitioned, appears to be linked to a sharp decline in appetite-enhancing hormones"
 

Stomach-stapling for successful weight loss During normal digestion, food moves into the stomach from the esophagus. While in the stomach, the food is broken down by juices in the stomach. This process takes about twenty to thirty minutes, after which the stomach contents move to the first segment of small intestine. Most of the iron and calcium in the foods we eat is absorbed at this time. The remaining segments of the small intestine complete the absorption of almost all calories and nutrients. The remaining food particles that cannot be digested in the small intestines are stored in the large intestine until eliminated.

 

Stomach stapling is a major surgical procedure for severely and/or morbidly obese individuals who have made numerous, unsuccessful attempts with traditional methods of losing weight (e.g., changing eating patterns, working with nutritionists on eating plans, dieting, regular physical activity), all with the knowledge and supervision of their primary care provider.
 

The Roux-en-Y operation provides a restrictive and malabsorptive method to weight loss because the stomach and small intestines are reconfigured. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the current gold standard procedure for weight loss surgery. It is the most frequently performed operation for weight loss in the United States, accounting for more than 90% of all weight loss surgeries.

  • Stomach-stapling for successful weight lossFirst, a "mini stomach" is created by permanently dividing the stomach, creating stomach pouch that can hold about 2-3 bites of food.
     

  • The intestines are then cut approximately one and one half feet beyond the stomach and attached to the pouch to provide an outlet for the food.

Instead of food staying in the stomach for the "normal" twenty to thirty minutes, it now stays in the "mini pouch" for about ten minutes, then moves on to the small intestine. Besides the pouch gives a sensation of fullness for a longer period of time.

This bypasses the mixing of food and digestive juices from the distal stomach resulting in poorer absorption of calories and nutrients. This both restricts food intake and interferes with absorption resulting in more consistent weight loss, but has a higher risk of complications or side Stomach-stapling for successful weight losseffects. 80% of patients lose at least half their excess weight with the RYGB procedure.

The laparoscopic RYGB averages a 3-4 day hospitalization with a return to full activity in 7-10 days. A liquid and soft diet high in protein is suggested for 4 weeks after surgery, then the patient is placed on a solid diet.


Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Weight Loss Surgery Benefits

  • One year after surgery, weight loss can average 65-80% of excess weight

  • After 10 years, 50-60% of excess body weight loss has been maintained by some patients.

  • Associated medical problems, such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, joint pain, and heartburn are improved or resolved in more than 90% of patients

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Weight Loss Surgery Risks

  • Because the duodenum is bypassed, Poor absorption of iron, calcium, and vitamin B12 can result in deficiencies. Metabolic bone disease can also occur but all these problems can usually beStomach-stapling for successful weight loss prevented by vitamin and mineral supplementation but is especially important for patients who experience chronic blood loss or are prone to osteoporosis.
     

  • Dumping syndrome can occur as the result of rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine which usually happens if too much sugar is consumed. While generally not considered to be a serious risk to your health, the results can be extremely unpleasant and can include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness and, on occasion, diarrhea after eating.
     

  • The bypass portion of the stomach, duodenum and segments of the small intestine cannot be easily visualized using x-ray or endoscopy if problems such as ulcers, bleeding or malignancy should occur.
     

  • In some cases, the effectiveness of the procedure may be reduced if the stomach pouch is stretched and/or if it is initially left larger than 15-30cc.
     

  • Risks of surgery include infection, bleeding, blood clots, leaks, strictures, and bowel obstructions. In general, the benefits of gastric bypass outweigh the risks for people with a BMI > 40, or for people with a BMI of 35-40 and the presence of medical problems associated with obesity.

 

Dated 01 July 2013

 

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